Dear Ed, From Michel

In 1986, in Ottawa, living was not an option for me anymore. I didn’t know Ed, but I contacted him in Aurora through a friend of mine in Ottawa who was his brother-in-law at the time. I apparently called Ed in the middle of the night, and told him to come and get me because I was very close to death, and did not want to live anymore. Ed drove to Ottawa from Aurora, where he picked me up and brought me to his home in Aurora. I considered my options the next day, which were either return to the hell I was in, or stay and try and start a new life. I have been in this area ever since, and managed to remain abstinent. 

In 1979, I was diagnosed with a very rare eye disease and on long term disability at the time, which was all I needed to slowly destroy my life. Therefore, due to lack of activity on my part in Aurora, Ed strongly suggested to me that I enrolled in schooling so that I could pursue a different career. I reluctantly enrolled in one of the only addiction courses in the city at the time. When it came time for student placement hours, I had in mind to complete this task at Renascent. However, I was informed by management that they do not accept student placements. After a few months of Ed coming to my defence with the Boards and management, it was finally approved that I could complete my placement at Renascent.

Ed had, and still has, a huge impact on helping me become the person who wants to live now instead of thinking of dying constantly. I would also like to thank him for giving me the opportunity and honour to become the first placement student at Renascent, which opened the doors for many since then.

I owe my life to you Ed and your generosity years ago, and with gratitude, I will never forget you.
I love you Ed, and there will always be a place in my heart for you.

Enjoy your retirement,

Michel

About the Authors

Renascent Staff
The staff at Renascent is passionate about helping people with substance addictions so they can reach their full recovery – with compassion, respect, empathy and understanding. Our staff includes our counsellors, all of whom have lived experience of addiction and recovery.

One response to “Dear Ed, From Michel

  1. i Loved this account of Ed’s life & career. Obviously working with people was his calling. How fortunate for anyone who had Ed in their life.

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